McCall Helps Ridgeview Hand Garces First Loss

Erica had a season-high 32 points to go along with 15 rebounds and 10 blocked shots as the Wolf Pack beat previously undefeated Garces 59-38 in the final pool-play game of the Stockdale Holiday Round-Upon Friday night.

Kailee Leads Central Catholic Over West Linn

Central Catholic's Kailee Johnson, a 6-foot-3 senior, hurt West Linn inside and outside in scoring a game-high 24 points.
The most encouraging factor was the play of the 6-foot-3 Johnson, who suffered a concussion Dec. 1 and was out for almost three weeks. She played in two of the team’s three games last week at the Nike Tournament of Champions in Phoenix, and Thursday she dominated the Lions.

Karlie Helps Mater Dei Win TOC Crown

Karlie shot an amazing 70 percent from behind the 3-point line in the final, and finished with 37 points , seven 3-pointers and 11 rebounds in a 96-74 victory over Riverdale Baptist of Upper Marlboro, Md. to help Mater Dei take home the Nike Tournament of Champions Mike Desper Division E title. She was also named Co-MVP.
In previous games, she had 22 points and seven rebounds in an 89-67 victory over No. 21 Ossining, N.Y. She also had 18 points and four 3-pointers in a 57-54 victory over No. 1 St. Mary's of Phoenix.

Karlie helps Mater Dei girls put up a victory

Mater Dei defeated Silverado of Victorville, 91-43, Tuesday night behind 28 points from Karlie Samuelson in the first round of the Matt Denning Hoops Classic at Mater Dei.

Karlie Samuelson helps Mater Dei wins hoops title

Mater Dei-Santa Ana received 25 points from Karlie Samuelson in an 80-45 rout of Ridgeview for the Central Valley Showdown girls basketball tournament title Saturday.

Read more here: http://www.fresnobee.com/2012/12/01/3086080/mater-dei-wins-hoops-title-in.html#storylink=cpy

Erica McCall helps end Hanford's winning streak

Erica McCall scored a game-high 26 points to lead Ridgeview to a 73-49 victory against the five-year reigning Central Section champion.
The Hanford High girls basketball team saw its 97-game winning streak against section competition come to an end at the Central Valley Showdown on Friday.

Read more here: http://www.fresnobee.com/2012/12/01/3085104/girls-basketball-hanford-winning.html#storylink=cpy

Kailee Johnson leads Central Catholic to win over Coeur d'Alene, 68-52

Kailee scores 21 points in Day 1 of the Nike Northwest Invitational Girls Basketball Tournament. 

Stanford Women's Basketball Announces Four-Woman Signing Class

gostanford.com, November 15, 2012

Stanford's Setsuko Ishiyama Director of Women's Basketball Tara VanDerveer announced Wednesday the signing of four student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Enrolling at Stanford and joining the Cardinal in 2013-14 will be forwards Kailee Johnson (Portland, Ore./Central Catholic HS) and Erica McCall (Bakersfield, Calif./Ridgeview HS), wing Karlie Samuelson (Huntington Beach, Calif./Mater Dei HS) and point guard Khaliyah "Lili" Thompson (Mansfield, Texas/Timberview HS).
"Some words that I think really describe this class are versatile, athletic, and competitive," VanDerveer said. "Our players are coming out of high school very skilled, and we will continue to have good team speed. All four are a great fit for Stanford academically, will be a great fit for our team. These are players who have played not only for USA Basketball, but for elite summer basketball programs and great coaches, so the experienced competition they have excelled against will help them acclimate quickly to the college game."
The quartet will join a Cardinal program that has reached five straight Final Fours from 2008-12, and is currently 2-0 to start the 2012-13 campaign. Stanford is currently in Honolulu, where it will open up play at the Jack in the Box Rainbow Wahine Classic Friday against No. 1/1 Baylor at 4:30 p.m. PT. The Cardinal rounds out the draw against host Hawai'i Saturday at 9 p.m. PT and Tennessee-Martin Sunday at 7 p.m. PT.
Johnson and McCall will add additional depth to the Cardinal frontcourt upon arrival during the summer of 2013. Johnson, a 6-3 forward, brings a wide-ranging skill set to The Farm. The Portland, Ore. native utilizes her length and size to make herself a formidable defender and rebounder, and can transition that ability into quickly leading the break into the offensive attack. On the scoring end, Johnson has drawn praise for her ability to effectively work both ends of the post, moving well to score inside or showing the ability to step out and consistently hit her midrange jumper and even from 3-point range.
With Central Catholic High School, Johnson averaged 13.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while making 2.7 steals per game on the defensive end.
"I was so excited when I found out that I had been accepted into Stanford, it was just such a relief that all of my hard work, both in the classroom and on the court, had paid off. This program and team is so great I cannot wait until I get to be a part of it," Johnson said. "Aside from the obvious excellent program and academic opportunities, I really enjoyed the girls on the team and the three other girls that I came on my visit with. I just got along well with my future teammates and that was a big deal to me."
"We're very excited about Kailee coming to Stanford and her great versatility," VanDerveer said. "She can score on the block as well as face-up, and I feel she can also be a great defender for our team."
McCall, also 6-3, has already burnished her credentials against international competition as a two-time gold medalist with the USA Basketball U16 and U17 National Teams. In 2011, McCall was part of the U16 squad that captured gold at the FIBA Americas U16 Championship, qualifying the Americans for the U17 World Championship. The Bakersfield native would earn her spot on the U17 National Team in 2012 for the FIBA U17 World Championship, where she would again help lead the U.S. team to gold.
As a prep, McCall, an excellent athlete and dominant rebounder, is already Ridgeview High's career leader in points (1,876), rebounds (1,391) and blocks (672) entering her senior season in 2012-13. At Ridgeview McCall has thrice been named the Bakersfield Californian All-Area MVP (2010-12) and in 2012 was named to the All-CIF Southern Section Division III First Team and the Cal-Hi Sports All-State Fourth Team after averaging 25.8 points, 16.7 rebounds and 7.1 blocks per game.
McCall's sister, DeWanna Bonner, currently plays in the WNBA for the Phoenix Mercury and enjoyed a standout collegiate career at Auburn.
"Getting in to Stanford was an exciting feeling, especially since there is a small percentage who get in from those that apply. Also with joining the basketball program I felt a sense of pride knowing that I would a part of such great history," McCall noted.
"The key reasons that helped me choose Stanford were the fact that I could get the best of both worlds, great academics and a top basketball program coached by Tara VanDerveer, and it was also close to home. What is a better accomplishment that includes a NCAA championship and a Stanford degree?" she added.
"We like Erica's physical play, she's a rebounder and a very aggressive competitor," noted VanDerveer. "She scores, has 3-point range, and she is extremely competitive and versatile."
Another Southern California product joining the Cardinal brings a familiar name and pedigree to The Farm. Karlie Samuelson joins older sister Bonnie on the squad next season, adding her own deadly long-range accuracy to the Cardinal fold. Samuelson, at 5-11, has gained experience running an offense from the point as well as playing at the shooting guard position, utilizing her shooting capabilities. These skills and abilities helped earned her an invite to the USA Basketball U17 National Team Trials ahead of the FIBA U17 World Championship in 2012.
On the prep level, Samuelson averaged 18 points per game for Edison High School in 2011-12 and was named to the Cal-Hi Sports All-Junior Fifth Team despite missing part of the regular season due to an ankle injury and the entire postseason due to illness. The season prior (2010-11), she helped lead Edison to the CIF Southern Section Division I title, earning league co-MVP honors in the process.
Samuelson transferred to Mater Dei High School early this past summer, where she will play her senior season.
"I am very excited to join the team and I think it will be a lot of fun," Samuelson said. "I am looking forward to being part of the Stanford family and I am happy that my hard work in the classroom has paid off. I chose Stanford because of the high standards for both basketball and academics and also the location of the university."
"I miss playing with my sister Bonnie, and it will be great getting to play with her on the court again," Samuelson added.
"Karlie's strength is her 3-point shooting but she can also play both guard positions and can be another versatile player for us," VanDerveer added.
Thompson, a 5-7 point guard from Mansfield, Texas, bolsters not only the Cardinal backcourt but also its sizable contingent from the Lone Star State. She will join fellow Texans Chiney Ogwumike (Cypress), Alex Green (Dallas), Kiran Lakhian (Plano) and Amber Orrange (Houston) on the roster. Much like her fellow Texans, Thompson, who goes by "Lili" brings plenty of speed, athleticism and moves to the party.
She also brings an ability to beat defenders off the dribble and penetrate the lane, opening up opportunities for teammates on the offensive end. Also highly regarded for her jumping ability and penchant for rebounding against taller competition, Thompson has led Timberview High to the Texas state playoffs in each of the past two seasons after transferring from Punahou High School in Hawaii.
One of the top point guards in Texas, Thompson was named a Sporting News All-America honorable mention after leading the Lady Wolves in scoring, assists and steals. She was also voted unanimously to the Texas Girls' Coaches Association All-State Team as well as to the local all-region and all-district first teams.
"I feel honored to have been accepted into such a prestigious and respected university, and I'm excited to help continue the legacy of great women's basketball at Stanford," Thompson said. "I'm excited about this next phase of my life and I plan to work as hard as possible and enjoy it every step of the way.
"With my passion for education and basketball, I believe Stanford is a great fit for me," she continued. "I chose Stanford because I enjoy being challenged and being part of a successful team. After visiting campus and meeting the coaching staff and my future teammates, I was confident that at Stanford I would be able to grow, both as a person and an athlete, and accomplish many goals."
"We are big fans of Lili's point-guard skills," said VanDerveer. "She is a vocal, heady point guard. She can put the ball on the floor, is a strong player and has an excellent pull-up jump shot."

http://www.gostanford.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/111512aaa.html

Tess Invited to U18 USA Trials

gantdaily.com, May 3, 2012

Tess is one of 26 athletes to have accepted invitations to the under 18 USA Basketball team trials.
(more...)

Tess's Statewide Honor

Chris Breece, kdrv.com, April 8, 2012

Tess Picknell makes first time All-State. (More...)

Girls basketball state championship: Tess Picknell reacts to South Medford's perfect season, state title

Mike Richman, oregonlive.com, March 11, 2012

South Medford senior Tess Picknell helped lead the Panthers to a state championship win over Westview capping a perfect 30-0 season. (More...)

South Medford senior Tess Picknell helped lead the Panthers to a state championship win over Westview capping a perfect 30-0 season

Jerry Ulmer, oregonlive.com, March 11, 2012

Picknell had 10 points, 13 rebounds and three blocked shots (More...)

Tess and South Medford defeats Central Catholic, 62-45

Stephanie Yao Long, oregonlive.com, March 9, 2012

South Medford's Tess Picknell (34) blocks a shot (More...)

Jerry Ulmer, oregonlive.com, March 9, 2012

13 rebounds from 6-foot-5 senior Tess Picknell (More...)

Tess and South girls ready for showdown with Rams

Kris Henry, mailtribune.com, March 9, 2012

The Panthers entered the tournament with five players averaging double figures...including senior Tess Picknell. (More...)

Picknell comes up big as No. 1 Panthers win 6A tournament opener

Kris Henry, mailtribune.com, March 8, 2012

Senior center Tess Picknell was one of those leaders who helped carry the Panthers against the ninth-ranked Crimson Tide. The 6-foot-5 Stanford-bound standout tallied 11 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocked shots in an extremely efficient — and pivotal — effort. (More...)

Mike Richman, OregonLive.com, March 7, 2012

Senior center Tess Picknell had 11 points and 11 rebounds for South Medford. (More...)

Tess and Unbeaten Panther girls look to take big step at 6A tourney

Kris Henry, mailtribune.com, March 7, 2012

For the Panthers, the 6-5 Stanford-bound Tess Picknell averages 10 points, nine rebounds, four blocks and two assists, (More...)

Tess's Panthers

The stories and people behind the undefeated Panthers' unprecedented run

Dan Jones, mailtribune.com, March 6, 2012 (More...)

South Medford ready to make its mark

Jerry Ulmer, The Oregonian, March 06, 2012 (More...)

No. 1 South Medford blocks 13 shots — nine by Picknell — to earn repeat trip to 6A state tourney

Kris Henry, mailtribune.com, March 3, 2012

South Medford's Tess Picknell, left, blocks a shot in the first half on Friday. (More...)

Tess and No. 1 Panthers tame Colts in state opener

Kris Henry, mailtribune.com, February 29, 2012

Picknell added 10 points and seven rebounds. (More...)

Tess and No. 1 South Medford uses big third quarter to rout St. Mary's of Portland in endowment game

Dan Jones, mailtrune.com, February 26, 2012

Tess Picknell, who ran into some early foul trouble, added nine points, nine rebounds and three blocks for South Medford. (More...)

Tess and No. 1-ranked South downs rival North to cap undefeated SOH season

Dan Jones, mailtribune.com, February 23, 2012

senior post Tess Picknell recorded 12 points, 20 rebounds and four blocks (More...)

Tess and Panthers clinch second straight crown

mailtribune.com, February 11, 2012

got seven rebounds and five blocks from senior Tess Picknell (More...)

Girls basketball: Tess Picknell back on the court for No. 1 South Medford

Jerry Ulmer, oregonlive.com, February 1, 2012

Stanford-bound center Tess Picknell is back on the court for unbeaten South Medford, which is No. 1 in the Class 6A girls basketball coaches poll and OSAA power rankings.

The 6-foot-5 senior, who suffered a sprained ankle in a Jan. 6 game against Crater, missed four games before returning to the lineup last week. (More...)

Tess Returns

Dan Jones, mailtribune.com, January 28, 2012

Tess Picknell added four points, eight rebounds and two blocks. (More...)

Top-ranked South turns up offense in SOH rout of cross-town rival without Tess

Dan Jones, mailtribune.com, January 19, 2012

But South has adapted to life without its Stanford-bound center, whom Cole said could return as early as next week. (More...)

Sports Chat: South Medford basketball post Tess Picknell

mailtribune.com, January 13, 2012

South Medford basketball player Tess Picknell is the guest on the Mail Tribune’s 82nd live, unscripted and interactive sports chat.

She talked about her injury and the recovery process, as well as the team work that has pushed the Panthers to win. (More...)

Picknell visits sports chat

mailtribune.com, January 12, 2011

Picknell will speak with Mail Tribune sports reporter Dan Jones at noon Friday on Facebook! Log on to the show at www.facebook.com/mtsportschat to watch and participate. Jones and Picknell will take questions and comments live. You can also call during the show at 541-776-4499, email djones@mailtribune.com or post your questions on the Sports Chat wall. (More...)

Girls basketball: South Medford's Tess Picknell to miss 2-6 weeks with sprained ankle

Jerry Ulmer, oregonlive.com, January 11, 2012

“It’s pretty hard to replace a 6-5 kid,” Cole said of Picknell, who is averaging 12 points, eight rebounds, three blocked shots and two assists. (More...)

Panthers will be without Picknell for a while

Kris Henry, mailtribune.com, January 10, 2012

6-foot-5 senior center Tess Picknell will be out of action from two to six weeks due to an ankle injury suffered in last Friday's win over Crater. (More...)

South post Picknell injures ankle, and status is uncertain

mailtribune,com, January 7, 2012

Picknell was taken out of the game after rolling her left ankle late in the third quarter and did not return. Her status for Tuesday's game at Grants Pass is uncertain. (More...)

Tess and the Road-tested South Medford girls top Roseburg

mailtribune.com, January 4, 2012

Tess Picknell had 12 points, four rebounds and three steals. (More...)

Tess's top-ranked Panthers are landslide choice as conference season tips off

Tim Trower, mailtribune.com, January 3, 2012

Tess Picknell, a 6-foot-5 post who has signed to play at Stanford, is the lone senior among the returning starters. (More...)

Tess Picknell, South Medford Basketball is mailtribune's #9 story of the year

Jim Trower, mailtribune.com, January 1, 2012

Tess Picknell, the 6-foot-5 post who had proven to be a shot-blocking machine for the Panthers, signed a letter of intent to play for national power Stanford. (More...)